Acupuncture is an important part of the wider system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The practice of acupuncture involves inserting ultra-fine one-time use sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the meridians of the body, with a specific needling manipulation technique, to prevent and treat diseases.
Acupuncture may be used together with herbs, moxibustion, cupping, guasha, nutrition, lifestyle, and other TCM treatment modalities. In my training I took the 3 year acupuncture program and added many courses and a fourth year to also study TCM in a more holistic way.
There are 361 classical acupuncture points on the 14 meridians that cover the entire body and allow energy flow. Stimulating these acupuncture points and meridians (which were mapped out thousands of years ago) produce healing results in the body.
The practice of acupuncture involves inserting ultra-fine one-time use sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the meridians of the body, with a specific needling manipulation technique, to prevent and treat diseases.
Acupuncture may be used together with herbs, moxibustion, cupping, guasha, nutrition, lifestyle, and other TCM treatment modalities. In my training I took the 3 year acupuncture program and added many courses and a fourth year to also study TCM in a more holistic way.
There are 361 classical acupuncture points on the 14 meridians that cover the entire body and allow energy flow. Stimulating these acupuncture points and meridians (which were mapped out thousands of years ago) produce healing results in the body.
Frequently Asked Question:
Does It hurt?
For some points there may be a very quick discomfort as the needle goes in, but generally the answer is actually no.
The needles are thinner than a strand of hair (Truly! If you hold them up it can be hard to see anything but the handle. 17-18 of them fit into a regular needle you would have with an injection or blood test.) Most people are extremely surprised by how little they feel.
I have many people in my practice that are afraid of needles and/or are highly sensitive (HSPs) because I am so gentle. There are styles of needling that are much more painful and uncomfortable that I do only very rarely and by request.
The needles are thinner than a strand of hair (Truly! If you hold them up it can be hard to see anything but the handle. 17-18 of them fit into a regular needle you would have with an injection or blood test.) Most people are extremely surprised by how little they feel.
I have many people in my practice that are afraid of needles and/or are highly sensitive (HSPs) because I am so gentle. There are styles of needling that are much more painful and uncomfortable that I do only very rarely and by request.
Is it covered by insurance?
Many people do have Acupuncture coverage in their insurance plans. It is often under Paramedical Services.
I do encourage people to check before booking if they have coverage in their own plan.
Pay what you can options are available for anyone who needs. I never want cost to be an obstacle to people getting the care that they need. To access this option simply put in a note when booking. I do not require explanation or proof of need.
I do encourage people to check before booking if they have coverage in their own plan.
Pay what you can options are available for anyone who needs. I never want cost to be an obstacle to people getting the care that they need. To access this option simply put in a note when booking. I do not require explanation or proof of need.
Do you do direct billing?
At this time, as I am just me in my business, I am unable to offer direct billing. I do however accept credit cards and I am fully certified so that receipts can be submitted to your company.
If you need direct billing to be able to access services, please come and see me at Moss Postpartum House. Everyone is welcome there and they do have direct billing.
If you need direct billing to be able to access services, please come and see me at Moss Postpartum House. Everyone is welcome there and they do have direct billing.
How many needles do you use?
Each treatment is very unique so this number can vary wildly. For the most part, I learned in lineages that valued being knowledgeable enough to use the fewest needles possible. The majority of treatments are around 13 needles, though the number can be higher or lower.
You always get a say in this. You can decide in each appointment what your needs are and what you feel like in that moment.
You always get a say in this. You can decide in each appointment what your needs are and what you feel like in that moment.
what is acupuncture?/How does it work?
This question can actually be answered in a lot of different ways depending on your perspective/view point of health.
From a TCM perspective the needles influence Qi in the body. This is the life force, functionality, warmth of the body that runs through the meridians. Influencing this can allow the body to come back to balance, heal what is needed, regulate the nervous system, and find ways to come back to feeling better. Although Qi can be understood in very esoteric terms, at its core it is truly the energy the cells use to function. The character itself is made up of rice and air and we now know all these thousands of years later that glucose and oxygen are indeed the building blocks of cellular energy.
New Western style imaging is showing us that the brain responds differently to different acupuncture points and differently still from putting an acupuncture needle in an area that isn't an acupuncture point. Also, imaging of myo-fascial lines are incredible in their overlap with meridians and may be the key to understanding how acupuncture works from a new scientific perspective.
If you have any questions about this, you are so welcome to message me.
From a TCM perspective the needles influence Qi in the body. This is the life force, functionality, warmth of the body that runs through the meridians. Influencing this can allow the body to come back to balance, heal what is needed, regulate the nervous system, and find ways to come back to feeling better. Although Qi can be understood in very esoteric terms, at its core it is truly the energy the cells use to function. The character itself is made up of rice and air and we now know all these thousands of years later that glucose and oxygen are indeed the building blocks of cellular energy.
New Western style imaging is showing us that the brain responds differently to different acupuncture points and differently still from putting an acupuncture needle in an area that isn't an acupuncture point. Also, imaging of myo-fascial lines are incredible in their overlap with meridians and may be the key to understanding how acupuncture works from a new scientific perspective.
If you have any questions about this, you are so welcome to message me.
What if I Experience Discomfort/don't like something?
At any point, in any appointment you have only to let me know that something isn't the way you want it or that something is uncomfortable. I will fix it right away.
No disbelief.
No need to defend why.
No need to worry about my ego.
You always have the option to change your mind at any point. Actually, many people use their appointments with me to practice taking the time to feel into what they want and communicate it.
No disbelief.
No need to defend why.
No need to worry about my ego.
You always have the option to change your mind at any point. Actually, many people use their appointments with me to practice taking the time to feel into what they want and communicate it.
Do i have to be Naked?
It is very rare that people need to adjust their clothes more that a little. For some treatments it may be an option to remove or change clothing in some way, but this is always discussed and is always up to you.
The beautiful thing about acupuncture is that there is always another way. So if you don't want to adjust anything about your clothes, you don't ever have to.
The beautiful thing about acupuncture is that there is always another way. So if you don't want to adjust anything about your clothes, you don't ever have to.
Where do the needles go?
Acupuncture points truly do span the entire body. Depending on the unique needs of each person this can change where the needles go.
With the lineages that I got to learn in, the large majority of my treatments are done from the elbow down and the knees down.
That being said there are treatments that could include the abdomen, back, scalp, or other areas of the body. These are always done with careful draping, thorough conversation, and consent. Everything can be adjusted for the unique comfort needs of each person.
With the lineages that I got to learn in, the large majority of my treatments are done from the elbow down and the knees down.
That being said there are treatments that could include the abdomen, back, scalp, or other areas of the body. These are always done with careful draping, thorough conversation, and consent. Everything can be adjusted for the unique comfort needs of each person.
How Long are the needles in?
Generally speaking needles are left in for at least 25-30min.
Some may be shorter if we are doing both a front and back treatment. Some may be longer if a longer appointment time has been chosen.
Also timing may change if you need something different that day.
Some may be shorter if we are doing both a front and back treatment. Some may be longer if a longer appointment time has been chosen.
Also timing may change if you need something different that day.
Further questions?
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
What happens at an appointment?
Please come in clothing that you're comfortable in. We can discuss adjusting your clothes to access different areas of the body, but you are always the one who gets to decide what you are comfortable. I have tea/water, snacks, and other comforts at the clinic, so you really just have to bring you.
If you have any difficulties or anxiety with finding places/parking, please just let me know and I am happy to meet you outside or come up with a plan that feels comfortable.
First, after a tour and orientation to the space, I conduct a full health history. I welcome sharing of all kinds. You may be suffering on a physical level, but ailments can also manifest in emotional, mental, or spiritual blocks.
The we go over in detail how to get comfortable on the table which is done in privacy. Needles are inserted (generally about 13 of them) and once you are fully comfortable you get to rest for generally at least 30 minutes. This is most people's favourite time: nothing that has to be done, no one that needs anything from you, just rest time. Many people find it easier to rest with the needles than in other forms of trying to turn off the mind or be still.
People who have never tried Acupuncture often don't believe me, but it is deeply relaxing. Many people fall asleep.
After the treatment is done, needles are removed and there is lots of time to get up, have a tea, and ask questions.
This is a general overview. Each appointment is unique and customized to the specific person with input from them about their needs, wants, and boundaries.
Please book an "Initial Intake" if it is your first treatment with me. This allows us to connect and walk through your customized treatment plan.
Virtual appointments are available if you would prefer to access support that way.
Please book an "Initial Intake" if it is your first treatment with me. This allows us to connect and walk through your customized treatment plan.
Virtual appointments are available if you would prefer to access support that way.
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Some Areas Acupuncture Can Help With
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Insomnia and sleep issues
Sexual dysfunction and fertility Menstrual, menopausal, and hormonal problems Skin irritations Autoimmune Conditions |
Digestive issues and IBS
Pain management Headaches and jaw pain Stress and chronic inflammation Trauma recovery and nervous system regulation |
